Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

helpful in bringing about a harmonious adaptation

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

aroused or activated

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

A line that marks the limits of an area.

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

English architect (1723-1796)

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

(Middle Ages) an imaginary land of luxury and idleness

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

lacking in light; not bright or harsh

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

a boxlike container in a piece of furniture; made so as to slide in and out

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

past form of “dwindle” — become smaller or lose substance

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

-ing form of “explore” — inquire into

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a building or place that provides a particular service or is used for a particular industry

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

gay or light-hearted recreational activity for diversion or amusement

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

inflected form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a sheltered and secluded place

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

on one occasion

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

yielding a fair profit

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

in a peaceful manner

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

on the contrary

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

plural of “recollection” — the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

elude, especially in a baffling way

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

the complete duration of something

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

inflected form of “spring” — move forward by leaps and bounds

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

not in physical motion

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

plural of “stride” — a step in walking or running

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

a region marked off for administrative or other purposes

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

-ing form of “toll” — ring slowly

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

the time of day immediately following sunset

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The shallow steps were not sufficiently accommodating to my impatience, and I leapt rather than ran, with the intention of paying my first visit to that _cockaigne_ of childhood, that paradise of little fools--the nursery.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The evening-bell was tolling: what a host of recollections were awakened at the sound!

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading How small, dwindled almost into a span, appeared that once mighty and almost boundless apartment, every nook of which was a separate territory, every drawer and cupboard the boundary of another kingdom! three or four strides brought me to the window;--the broad church-tower was still visible, peacefully reposing in the dim and heavy twilight.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I sprang with reckless facility up the vast staircase.

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading Though night was fast approaching, I could not resist the temptation of once more exploring the deserted chambers, the scene of many a youthful frolic.